March 11, 1935.
Reims, France
The sky over the training grounds was unusually clear that morning.
Inside the command tent.
A dispatch from Paris sat unfolded on the desk between Moreau and de Gaulle.
Not a newspaper this time a Ministry communique.
Plain type, top-marked in red.
"Germany announces the official creation of the Luftwaffe under Reich Minister Hermann Göring. Details read over German state radio, 07:30 Berlin time. International protests pending."
Chauvet stood by the open flap, listening, blinking.
"They just said it? Out loud?"
"They didn't just say it," Moreau replied. "They celebrated it."
De Gaulle crossed his arms. "So much for Versailles."
"They've been training pilots in secret for years," Moreau said. "Now they don't need to hide."
He tapped the paper.
"They're ready to show teeth. And the world will flinch."
Chauvet muttered, "What the hell are we doing here with half-working tanks when they're launching air forces?"
